Ken Kelly

Ken Kelly (born1946) is a fantasy and science-fiction artist. Born in Connecticut, he began drawing at an early age. One of his early art teachers taught him the principles of art and helped him develop his talents, strongly suggesting that he not go to art school. Upon leaving high school, he joined the US Marine Corps, serving at Guantanamo Bay and in Vietnam. While in Cuba, he illustrated The Gitmo Gazette for the military.

When returning to the United States in 1968, he began studying under Frank Frazetta, a famous science-fiction and fantasy artist. The following year, he began painting book covers for a variety of publishers, including the Conan books by Robert E. Howard, the Horseclan novels by Robert Adams, and the Tarzan novels. In addition to his novel covers, he has painted a number of album covers, including two for Kiss. He has also done some work in the comic book industry, being best known in those circles for Star Wars covers.